Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management
Cyclic Processes in Underground Pumped Storage Power Plants (UPSP) using abandoned mines
Description and goals
The goal of the research project is to investigate the cyclical processes when filling and emptying horizontal underground reservoirs of underground pumped storage power plants in abandoned mines. These processes affect the hydrodynamic, geomechanical and hydrogeological processes as well as the required infrastructure. Therefore, in addition to the geological, hydrodynamic, aerodynamic, geomechanical, ecological and economic conditions, the cyclical processes must also be considered when dimensioning an underground pumped power plant.
Experimental model of a horizontal reservoir for underground pumped storage power plants
Key Data
Goal: Understanding of cyclic processes in underground pumped storage power plants
Method: Experimental & numerical investigations
Duration: 05/2021 - 12/2024
Partners: 7
In the laboratory at the IWW the hydro- and aerodynamic effects of local flow processes during the filling and emptying as well as operational failures will be investigated on a physical model. Additionally numerical simulations with OpenFOAM will be conducted, in which further structural and operational scenarios are considered describing the cyclical processes in underground pumped storage power plants. Based on those results, the project partners can investigate the effects of the cyclical processes on the geomechanical and hydrogeological processes and the required infrastructure. The overall findings from this collaborative project should contribute to an optimal structural and operational design of underground pumped storage plants.